Immersing in the Thanksgiving Spirit with HUTECH English Club

On the morning of November 14, English-major students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) had the opportunity to “travel” to the United States during the HUTECH English Club (HEC) meeting themed “Thanksgiving,” where they explored the rich traditions and meanings behind the holiday.

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a day when Americans express gratitude for life’s blessings—from bountiful harvests to the love of family. The holiday originated in 1621, when Pilgrims held a feast celebrating their successful harvest after a harsh winter in the New World. Over the decades, Thanksgiving has become a sacred time for family reunions, traditional feasts featuring turkey, stuffed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, and creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

Native guests accompanied students at the HEC event themed "Thanksgiving".

Beyond just history and tradition, a key highlight of this year’s program was the participation of native speakers, giving students the precious opportunity to practice English through questions and cultural exchanges about Thanksgiving. Questions like, “What does Thanksgiving mean to Americans?” or “Why is turkey the traditional dish served on this day?” sparked engaging discussions between students and guests. This not only energized the session but also enriched students’ cultural knowledge and communicative confidence.

Students listened to many fascinating aspects of Thanksgiving.

Through learning about Thanksgiving, students gained valuable insights into gratitude which is a profound human value that connects us to the spirit of the holiday. This message resonates not only with Americans but with all of us: to nurture gratitude toward family, friends, and life’s blessings in our daily lives.

Students practiced English by asking questions about Thanksgiving culture and interacted with native guests.

The HEC meeting on Thanksgiving provided HUTECH students not just cultural insights, but also a dynamic environment to practice listening, speaking, and communication skills in English. This has boosted their confidence in interacting with international peers.